1. Which one should you take?
SAT vs. ACT
Which one should you take?

2. Compare the two… SAT ACT Reasoning Test Test format: Content covered:
9 sections
Content covered:
Reading, vocabulary, grammar & usage, writing and math.
Content-based test
Test format:
5 sections
Content covered:
Grammar & usage, math, reading, science reasoning, and writing (optional)
Compare the two…

3. Compare the two… SAT ACT Test style Scoring Test style Scoring
Tricky, questions can be phrased in ways that make them difficult to decipher
Scoring
Each section will have a score range of with total score ranging between
Test style
Straightforward, questions may be long but are usually less difficult to decipher
Scoring
The scores for each section will range from Composite ACT score is an average of all your scores from the four sections. Your composite score will be between 1-36.
Compare the two…

4. Compare the two… SAT ACT Penalty for wrong answers? Score choice
Yes, you lose ¼ point for incorrect answers
Score choice
You can choose which set of scores to submit to colleges
Penalty for wrong answers? No
Score choice
You can choose which set of scores to submit to colleges
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5. Compare the two… SAT ACT Difficulty levels Math levels
Questions increase in difficulty level as you move through each section
Math levels
Arithmetic, data analysis, algebra I & II, functions, geometry, formulas are provided in the test booklet
Difficulty levels
Difficulty level of the questions is random
Math levels
Arithmetic, algebra I & II, functions, geometry, trigonometry, no formulas are provided
Compare the two…

6. Compare the two… SAT ACT
Tends to be more popular with privates schools and east and west coast schools
Every four year college in the US accepts SAT scores
Tends to be more popular with public schools and schools in the Midwest and south.
Every four-year college in the US accepts ACT scores
Compare the two…

7. Compare the two… SAT ACT Offered 7 times per year
Registration deadline is typically 4 weeks before the test date
Offered 6 times per year
Registration deadline is typically 5-6 weeks before the test date
Compare the two…

8. A few other things to consider…
From the New York Times

9. How long can you sit without fidgiting?
If you have a short attention span, and difficulty maintaining focus, the ACT may be for you.
ACT last 2 hours, 55 minutes (plus 30 minutes for optional writing test)
SAT last 3 hours, 45 minutes.
How long can you sit without fidgiting?

10. Which format feels right?
Take a practice test to find out which feels right. “Take each test in as realistic conditions as possible, with no distractions, timing yourself.” Practice tests are available on the websites for both ACT and SAT
Which format feels right?

11. Overachiever or underachiever?
SAT: bright underachievers who are easily bored do better on this test due to the need for good reasoning skills. ACT: overachievers who get the highest grades in the toughest classes will typically do better on this test.
Overachiever or underachiever?

12. Every student is different and this test is one factor in the decision schools will make on whether or not they will admit you
TAKING THEM IS IMPORTANT
TAKE THEM BOTH
TAKE THEM MORE THAN ONCE
Fee waivers are available for students and you can receive two for each test during your high school career. USE THEM!!
The bottom line…